Messing With Her? Are You Crazy! novel Chapter 1467

Hazel was speechless.

The line went dead quiet for a second.

Then, Julian let out a low, rich chuckle.

Hazel felt her ears burn.

She coughed twice, trying desperately to maintain her cool, badass persona as The Sovereign of the Gray Zone. "Actually... I am a little hungry."

Julian's voice was laced with amusement. "Do you want to come down and grab a bite? I just made some artisan pasta."

Hazel's eyes instantly lit up. "Julian, you made it yourself? You know how to cook?"

"Yes." Julian's voice was impossibly smooth. "Miss Hazel, would you do me the honor of tasting my cooking?"

Hazel bolted upright from the bed.

"Absolutely!"

"I'm honored!"

"Wait right there, Julian, I'm coming down!"

Hanging up the phone, Hazel grabbed her jacket and sprinted downstairs in her slippers.

Guilt?

Secrecy?

Her solemn vow to Serena about not being bribed by food?

All tossed out the window.

Food first. Everything else could wait.

...

The Lancaster family kitchen.

The lighting was warm and inviting.

Julian stood at the island counter. He was still wearing his dress shirt from the gala, though the sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing the sharp, clean lines of his wrists.

He was carefully plating the freshly cooked pasta into a porcelain bowl.

His movements were unhurried and precise.

He looked far too elegant to be cooking; it was as if he were crafting a masterpiece.

Hazel sprinted into the kitchen and was instantly hit by an incredibly rich, savory aroma.

Her eyes sparkled. "Oh my god, that smells amazing!"

Julian turned to look at her.

Her cheeks puffed out as she chewed, looking exactly like a contented hamster.

Julian sat across from her, not touching his own cutlery.

He simply watched her eat in comfortable silence.

Seeing the utter bliss on her face brought a deep smile to his eyes. "I'm glad you like it."

Throwing all concern for her image aside, Hazel kept eating bite after bite.

Hearing Julian's voice, she nodded emphatically. "I love it! I love it so much!"

She took a sip of the broth, her eyes curving into happy crescents. "Julian, you're a billionaire who practically runs the world. How do you have such insane culinary skills?"

"You really are Serena's brother!"

Julian chuckled softly. "Whenever you're hungry from now on, just come find me."

"I'm actually quite a decent chef. I know how to make a lot of things."

Hazel looked up at him, her eyes practically shining. "What else can you make, Julian?"

Julian listed them off slowly. "Crab bisque, rich chicken tortellini, honey-glazed BBQ ribs, caramelized baked apples, coconut panna cotta..."

Hazel was practically drooling at the list.

Watching her reaction, Julian's voice grew even gentler. "So, whenever you're hungry, just let me know. As long as I'm home, I'll make it for you."